In a landmark study published on January 2, 2026, researchers have for the first time reconstructed the ancient genomes of human herpesviruses from remains over 2,500 years old. By screening nearly 4,000 skeletal samples across Europe, the team found that these viruses have been integrating into human chromosomes since the Iron Age. This discovery provides direct genomic proof of how viral infections have co-evolved with humanity, potentially explaining modern hereditary viral traits.
Source: EurekAlert! / University of Vienna
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